Key Points
1xBet's global expansion in 2025 has been marked by high-profile partnerships and industry recognition. One notable one is the SiGMA Americas award.
Despite the wins, 1xBet faces serious legal issues in countries like India and Colombia for unauthorized operations and unethical practices.
The brand's future will depend on its ability to navigate regulatory pressure while maintaining its international visibility and influence.
1xBet’s headlines have become impossible to ignore in 2025. The global sportsbook has been making waves across continents, but not all have been positive. From regulatory crackdowns to high-profile sponsorships, 1xBet has had a year of mixed fortunes.
This article unpacks five key moments that defined 1xBet’s year so far. These include a mix of industry accolades, strategic sports partnerships, and significant legal challenges in India and Colombia. If you are curious about how one of the world’s most popular betting brands is navigating success and scandals, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn more.
1xBet under investigation in India over ICC broadcasting rights
1xBet is facing legal trouble in India after Star India filed a police complaint accusing the platform of illegally live-streaming ICC cricket matches without a broadcasting license. Authorities responded by lodging a First Information Report (FIR), targeting the company and those facilitating its operations within India.
Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela is reportedly under investigation for endorsing the site, along with others previously tied to illegal gambling promotions. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also warned influencers about promoting offshore gambling sites, citing possible legal action and content takedowns.
The crackdown is part of India’s broader push to rein in unlicensed betting, with several social media accounts already suspended for promoting similar apps.
1xBet wins best sportsbook at SiGMA Americas 2025
Despite ongoing scrutiny elsewhere, 1xBet earned the “Best Sportsbook Operator” award at the 2025 SiGMA Americas summit in São Paulo. Judges cited the platform’s advanced tech performance and strong cybersecurity. The jury also applauded 1xBet’s commitment to transparent licensing and promotional standards across Latin America, a region where the brand continues to expand aggressively.
This win adds to a growing list of accolades: 1xBet previously took home the “Best On Mobile” award at SiGMA Africa and the “Best Crypto Operator” award at SiGMA Eurasia. As noted in our recent
1xBet review, these recognitions signal platform maturity. Still, some argue that these wins gloss over the deeper issues tied to its global operations, and hence raise questions about whether public praise can outweigh persistent red flags.
1xBet made headlines after securing an exclusive sponsorship deal with the Billie Jean King Cup, the world’s premier international team event in women’s tennis. The brand’s logo is now featured on courts and broadcast material throughout the qualifiers and finals.
This move is widely seen as a calculated expansion into women’s sports, which is a growing market for sportsbooks. While the brand frames it as a step toward gender equity in sports, critics have questioned the ethics of linking high-profile women’s competitions to betting platforms, especially given 1xBet’s ongoing legal challenges. The partnership has sparked mixed reactions across both tennis and gambling circles.
1xBet and MPBL: A Slam Dunk in the Philippines?
Early this year, 1xBet inked a major multi-year sponsorship with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which signaled a strong push into Southeast Asia’s sports scene. As part of the deal, the 1xBet logo now appears on team jerseys, courtside banners, and across live MPBL broadcasts.
The partnership is being framed as a boost for grassroots basketball, with league commissioner Kenneth Duremdes highlighting its potential to support young talent and bring more excitement to Filipino fans.
For 1xBet, it is more than branding. But a move to cement itself as a cultural fixture in one of Asia’s most basketball-obsessed nations. Still, while the collaboration promotes development, some remain cautious about a betting firm becoming so visible in a league followed closely by younger audiences.
Colombia cracks down on 1xBet and illegal betting sites
Colombia’s gambling regulator, Coljuegos, took firm action in February 2025 by blocking 409 domains, including 1xBet, over unauthorized operations. Authorities claim these platforms threaten public health funding by bypassing legal tax structures tied to gaming.
This is not an isolated effort, as over 10,000 websites and social accounts tied to illegal gambling have also been shut down. 1xBet’s record does not help its case. The platform previously lost its UK license and has been linked to ethically troubling practices, including betting on underage sports.
Despite splashy partnerships with top clubs like PSG and Barcelona, Colombia’s ban highlights the mounting regulatory pushback the brand faces worldwide.
How does 1xBet measure up? Pros and cons in 2025
While 1xBet has carved a name for itself on the global iGaming stage, its recent track record presents a mix of strengths and unresolved red flags. Here is a quick breakdown:
1xBet: Pros & Cons
- Industry recognition from SiGMA Americas, Africa & Eurasia.
- Strategic sponsorships with MPBL, BJK Cup, and PSG.
- Aggressive market expansion in LATAM and Asia.
- Repeated legal trouble in India, Colombia & UK.
Final thoughts on 1xBet news and controversies
2025 has painted a conflicting picture for 1xBet. The brand’s global rise, marked by major awards and high-profile deals, sits in sharp contrast to growing legal scrutiny in India, Colombia, and beyond. Whether 1xBet sustains its momentum now hinges on a pressing question: Can it clean up while scaling up? Only time will tell.
